The King Without a Heart (18 page)

There was a murmur of approval as he continued, “I want every woman who is clever with her hands, as I know most of you are, to make articles which we can sell.

I am sure that in a few months tourists from all over Europe will be anxious to see what we are doing and come to visit Velidos.”

Now the crowd was listening to him intently.

“We will have to provide hotels and other accommodation, which I intend to start building immediately. But as I say, I can only achieve this if every man and woman who belongs to this land helps me with their crafts and with their belief in what we are attempting to achieve.”

Titania noticed that there were several men who she was sure were newspaper reporters taking down every word the King was saying in his speech.

As he finished there was wild applause and shouts from the people of what they could do and how they would help.

“I am so proud of you, Alexius, my husband and my King,”

Titania whispered into his ear.

“You have given hope and inspiration to your people and I know that they will do everything in their power to make your dream for them come true.”

It was some time before the bride and bridegroom were able to return to the Palace.

When they did get inside, the King, without saying goodnight to anyone, drew Titania up the stairs. “We have done our duty,” he told her.

“Now I want you to myself.”

He took her along the passage not to her bedroom, but to the one that was part of the Master Suite.

She knew it had always been used by the Queens of Velidos and when they entered there was no lady's maid or valet waiting for them.

The King closed the door.

“Now at last, my darling, I have you alone, as I have been waiting for you ever since early this morning.”

“It was such a lovely wedding,” sighed Titania. “And you were the most beautiful bride any man could ever imagine.”

Very gently he took the tiara which had replaced the Crown from her head and undid the diamond and pearl necklace she wore round her neck.

She thought that he would kiss her, but instead he undid the back of her gown.

Then he said,

“Get into bed, my precious darling, while I get rid of my finery. I will only be a few minutes.”

He went into his own room and Titania did as he told her. She threw her wedding gown over a chair and then she put on a very pretty nightgown which was lying waiting for her on the bed.

As she lay back against the pillows she thought it was impossible to be happier or more grateful to God for giving her such a wonderful husband.

Titania could imagine all too easily what sort of man her uncle would have chosen for her. It did not seem possible after the years of being treated as if she was just an encumbrance that she was now the Queen of such a lovely country.

The door opened and the King entered. He did not come straight to her as she expected and instead he drew back the curtains.

Outside there was a full moon in the sky and the stars were shining brightly.

He stood for a moment looking up as if he was speaking to God and then he turned round and came towards Titania.

She had left only one small light burning by the side of the bed.

She had no idea how beautiful she looked with her fair hair falling over her shoulders with her grey eyes shining with the love she felt for the King.

He climbed into the bed and pulled her into his arms.

Then as she nestled against him, he said,

“Can this really be happening? After all that has happened to me in my life, I can hardly believe that you are really mine and that someone will not snatch you away from me.”

“I am yours now and for ever,” Titania told him, “and no one will ever hurt you again, my wonderful husband. I will always look after you and protect you.”

The King drew her a little closer. 

“As I shall protect you,” he said and his voice was very deep. “I love you, my darling, you will be my whole life and I can see and think of nothing but you.”

“I am afraid that you are going to have to think of a great many other matters as well,” Titania said softly. “But please let us do everything together, it will be fun and nothing will be too difficult for us.”

“I love you, I adore you,” murmured the King and his lips met hers. He kissed her at first gently as if she was infinitely precious.

Then as he felt the ecstasy and rapture moving through her, his kisses became more passionate and more possessive.

To Titania it was as if they were climbing up the mountains together and together they touched the snowy peaks at the top of them.

She could not believe anyone could feel such joy without dying at the wonder of it.

This was love. 

This was what she had sought and thought she would never be able to find, just as the King had tried to throw away his heart because he was afraid of being hurt over and over again.

She clasped her arms around his neck.

“I love you – I love you,” she tried to say against his lips. 

“I adore and worship you, my glorious Titania and my heart, which you have given me back, is yours from now to Eternity.”

Then as he made her his, Titania touched the stars.

They both entered into a Heaven that was waiting just for them. 

It was filled with love.

The Love which all mankind longs for and seeks and which only some are fortunate enough to find. 

It is the Love of God which is Eternal.